Statement by Empire State Pride Agenda Executive Director Alan Van Capelle

June 21, 2009--“Not to include marriage for same-sex couples as a priority for Tuesday’s extraordinary session is an insult to millions of gay and lesbian people and their families.

The majority of New Yorkers support marriage equality as does much of the political establishment across the state. New York’s elected officials were put in office to do the people’s business. Legislators cannot go home without passing marriage equality legislation this month. Our community and our allies expect this to happen.

We have a commitment from the Governor as recent as last night that this bill will be a top priority. We have the support for marriage equality from leaders on one side of the aisle and a commitment that marriage equality should be a vote of conscience from the leader on the other side of the aisle.

We hold the Governor and the Senate to these commitments. We expect and deserve a vote on marriage equality this week.”